At the Oct. 25 San Marcos City Council meeting, Bill and Elaine Gilfillen were presented with the San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award by the San Marcos City Council.
The Gilfillen family was nominated by Councilmember Sharon Jenkins for their spectacular community and holiday spirit and decorated house, known as the Knob Hill Christmas House. The couple has been decorating their home for the holidays since 1986 and only missed decorating in 2020 due to the first year of the pandemic.
Each year, they spend nearly two months preparing for their holiday house display which spreads light and joy throughout the community all season long. In 2009, they added solar to their home to help power over 150,000 lights, 100 figures, 20 rope lights, 80 snowmen and 100 candy canes. The lights are on nightly from 5-9 p.m. unless it’s raining, and this year, you might spot Santa at the Knob Hill Christmas House spreading holiday cheer. To continue the tradition, children are invited to drop a letter in Santa’s mailbox which will be sent directly to the North Pole.
“Bill and Elaine are a gift to San Marcos and truly deserve our spirit of service award for not only the joy they bring to San Marcos residents but also to those who come to visit from throughout San Diego County,” Jenkins said. “Thank you to the Gilfillen family for giving back to the community for 36 years. The Knob Hill Christmas House is a holiday favorite for thousands of community members.”
About the San Marcos City Council’s Civic SMILE Award
There are often community members who rise to the top – clearly reflecting this San Marcos ‘Spirit of Service.’ That’s why San Marcos City Council members initiated the Civic SMILE Award recognition program in March 2021.
Five times each year, a community member is chosen by a specific City Council member to receive recognition and will be presented with a San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award during a City Council meeting.
For more information about the recognition program: San Marcos Civic SMILE Award.
